kihilla restoration project
The Kihilla Restoration Project is modelled on a very successful US programme developed by the Church Army. For over 10 years men and women have been consistently finding their way out of addiction through the application of the 12-step principles in the context of community. Two thirds of those spending 6 months or more in the programme are still clean and sober after 2 years.
It serves people with life controlling addictions by providing a safe, drug and alcohol free environment along with supportive peer relationships, accountability and structure.
Set on 10 hectares in the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains, Kihilla Restoration is a residential program for men recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Participants are guided through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous while they share in the practical tasks of restoring and maintaining the historic homestead and its surrounds.
One of our Restoration participants has shared his story - you can read it below. Bob's Story originally appeared in the June 2009 Pioneer - you can subscribe by clicking the link to the left.
Watch a short video
about the Restoration Programme - this is an
excerpt from our 75th Anniversary Video which
is also linked on the Home Page.
You can also read an article about the programme and Ian Metz, previous programme co-ordinator, by clicking the link below. When you have finished reading click the close button at the bottom right to return to this page.
read about restoration
For more information download the brochure or contact Phil Nichols – program coordinator on 0400 177 681
click to download the brochure
I have been using alcohol and pot since I was thirteen. Whenever I felt sad or stressed or troubled, I would use them to help me through. It became a daily habit for me. I tried over and over to give them up, but would go back whenever I was upset. It gave my family a lot of trouble. I believed in Jesus and wanted to follow him, but I just couldn't stop using.
I spoke to my local Anglican minister, and he put me onto the Kihilla Restoration programme. The rehab program here has been really useful. I've learned why I couldn't overcome drugs and alcohol, and how God can lead me to recover through the 12 steps. Peter and Gwen's care, and feeling like I belong in this community has been really helpful. They've helped me to learn some of the skills I missed out on when I was a teenager.
"At Kihilla we all dig in with maintenance jobs, and I help new guys work throught the steps. I'm also working with John Harris to translate some of the Psalms into my people's original language. I'm doing the Cert IV in local mission so I can be better equipped. Later in the year I'm hoping to join the team planting the new base in Airds. God's done a lot while I've been here, helping me build a solid foundation so I don't go back to drugs when I'm upset. I guess I'm growing up."
